Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
DRUGS and illicit substances worth ZiG80 million have been confiscated as the Government dismantles illicit drug supply networks, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has said.
In addition, significant milestones have been recorded, including thousands of arraignments and convictions, the destruction of drug bases, and major seizures.
So far, 2 889 accused persons have been brought before the courts and 381 convictions have already been secured.
This group included 453 drug suppliers and 2 436 individual end-users. So far 31 drug bases were destroyed in the selected districts of Manicaland and Mashonaland West Provinces.
Another 32 children living and working on the streets were removed to safety.
Confiscated drugs included crystal meth, cocaine, ecstasy tablets, mbanje, khat and unregistered medicines including cough syrups.
Cabinet yesterday received and approved an update on the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response as presented by Defence Minister Oppah Muchingri-Kashiri as Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse.
“The Zimbabwe National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse is implementing a Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030), which is tailored to mitigate and ultimately eliminate the drug and substance abuse scourge in Zimbabwe.
“The committee coordinates actions across Government Ministries, law enforcement agencies and the private sector and seeks to achieve set targets through seven strategic pillars as follows: Supply chain reduction; demand reduction and prevention; harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation; psycho-social support and community re-integration; resource mobilisation and economic strengthening; media and communication and legal and policy Reforms,” said Minister Soda.
The committee also conducted regulatory compliance inspections across the country’s provinces, with 615 liquor-licensed premises having been inspected and 36 unlicenced premises fined and closed.
Other strategic interventions include robust awareness and prevention campaigns covering 285 918 beneficiaries, acquisition of drug-testing kits and the re-integration of 171 children with their families.
“Community-based prevention systems are underway, while vibrant drug rehabilitation, training and entrepreneurship programmes have been rolled out to approximately 37 937 youths and women. A US$1 million Youth Empowerment Fund has also been launched.
“Government continues to spearhead the legislative and policy framework to strengthen coordination, accountability, prevention, rehabilitation, treatment and enforcement interventions,” said Minister Soda.
Meanwhile, Cabinet noted and approved the report on Zimbabwe’s participation at EXPO 2027 Belgrade, in Serbia as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira.
Expo 2027 Belgrade is a specialised expo which takes place between World Expos and focuses on a specific area of human life , this time ” Play for Humanity”.
It is structured around three thematic sub-themes: Power of play; play for progress; and play together.
The event will be hosted by the Balkan region for the first time and is expected to attract over 4,1 million visitors from over 120 countries and international organisations.
“Participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade offers Zimbabwe a cost-effective, high visibility platform to promote Brand Zimbabwe, attract investment and strengthen diplomatic ties across European and global markets.
“The country will benefit through engagement and participation with global innovation programmes, showcasing Zimbabwe’s creative sector as both a cultural asset and an emerging economic driver.
“Youth participation at the Expo will be vigorously promoted in various activities at the Expo,” said Dr Soda.
